Some families and carers looking after those with learning disabilities or autism, may need extra support at this time. We are promoting awareness of two resources on Positive Behaviour Support (PBS). PBS is a person-centred approach to bring long-term support to people with a learning disability, autistic people or those who have both, who have or may be at risk of developing, behaviours that challenge - this includes children, young people and adults.

This video aims to give healthcare staff an awareness of what can cause challenging behaviour and what can be done to support people and families before medication or admission become options. This resource on the HEE Star also has information about PBS. Please share these with families and carers of people with learning disabilities and autistic people, learning disability employers and voluntary sector organisations working in this field.

Useful links

Mandatory training for all health and social care staff who support patients with learning disabilities and autism has moved a step closer with the announcement of the partners who will design, develop trial and evaluate the training. The training is named after Oliver McGowan whose sad death shone a light on the need for health and social care staff to have better access to training that offers a greater understanding of the conditions and will help improve their skills and confidence when delivering care. Find out more here.

HEE has been working in partnership with other organisations to create the All-England Plan for Learning Disability Nurses. This is an easy-read version. The plan outlines our commitment to making sure we have enough learning disability nurses in the future and details how the NHS plans to improve the quality of care for people with learning disabilities or autism.